But measures like these, whether successful or not, are certainly violent measures.

They shock the whole nervous system, sometimes with the excitement of pain and terror, and always, probably, with that of resentment and anger.

In some cases this excitement is extreme.

The excessively delicate organization of the brain, through which such agitations reach the sensorium, and which, in children of an early age, is in its most tender and sensitive state of development, is subjected to a most intense and violent agitation.
_Evil Effects of Violence in this Form_.
The evil effects of this excessive cerebral action may _perhaps_ entirely pass away in a few hours, and leave no trace of injury behind; but then, on the other hand, there is certainly reason to fear that such commotions, especially if often repeated, tend to impede the regular and healthful development of the organs, and that they may become the origin of derangements, or of actual disorganizations, resulting very seriously in future years.

It is impossible, perhaps, to know with certainty whether permanent ill effects follow in such cases or not.